Wootton HS principal found dead | News

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ROCKVILLE, Md. (WUSA9) -- The principal of Wootton High School was found dead in his home on Wednesday morning.

All Wednesday night, people visited a makeshift memorial on Dr. Michael Doran's parking spot at Wootton High School, where it seems like to the community, no one will ever be able to fill his spot.

Montgomery County Public Schools Interim Superintendent Larry Bowers sent a letter to the schools staff to confirm the news about Dr. Doran. He called his death "shocking."

"As we try to comprehend this sudden loss, we are committed to providing Michael's students, colleagues, friends, and family with whatever support they need to get through this difficult time. We will make counselors available to students and community members who need support in the coming days. For Michael's colleagues, we will work with the Employee Assistance Program to ensure you have the support you need," Bowers wrote in the letter.

For most students, high school is a bore. Unless your principal was Dr. Doran.

In Doran's Wootton High, school was more than classrooms, grades and a bell schedule.

Teachers often say if they can reach just one student, then they've made a difference. Dr. Doran seemed to have reached them all.

The cause of Doran's death is unknown.

Doran was the principal at the high school for the past 12 years, according to Montgomery County Public Schools. He had worked for Montgomery County Public Schools since 1997 and was also a principal of the Thomas W. Pyle Middle School. Doran worked in education for more than 40 years in places including Virginia, New York, Boston, and London, England.

This is not the first tragedy Wootton High School has experienced this year. In June, two students were killed and two others injured during an alcohol-involved crash.

A vigil will be held to honor Dr. Doran's life on Friday at 6 p.m. at Wootton's football stadium. Grief counselors will also be available at Wootton High School on Thursday and Friday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.